Recently, the UK Government published the draft border Target Operating Model.
Here’s what you need to know about the new framework, and how you can have your say.
What is the draft border Target Operating Model?
The draft border Target Operating Model provides an essential framework for businesses to understand how the UK Government’s 2025 Border Strategy will be executed.
Meanwhile, controls contained within the framework will ensure that supply, food safety and the environment are protected.
How will it be implemented?
This will occur in 3 stages.
Stage One
From the 31st of October 2023, health certifications will be required for businesses importing EU products including:
- Plants
- Plant products
- Food and feed classed as ‘high risk’ coming from non-animal origins
- Animal products classed as ‘minimum risk’.
Stage Two
The 31st of January 2024 will see the implementation of required documentary and risk-based identity checks and physical checks on EU products including:
- Plants
- Plant products
- Food and feed classed as ‘high risk’ coming from non-animal origins
- Animal products classed as ‘medium risk’
Stage Three
Lastly, from the 31st of October 2024, imports from the EU will require SSDs (Safety and Security Declarations). Meanwhile, the UK Gov will also initiate a reduced imports dataset, and leverage the UK Single Trade Window to eliminate duplication across several pre-arrival datasets.
Transport from Ireland to GB
According to the model, businesses transporting from the Republic of Ireland to GB will have to provide a Goods Movement Reference (GMR) from the 31st of October this year.
“In line with the wider Border Target Operating Model, on 31 st October 2023 we will introduce Prenotification, Export Health Certificates and Phytosanitary Certificates for Irish medium risk animal products, plant and plant products moving directly from Ireland into GB ports. Alongside this, full customs controls will be introduced for goods moving directly from Ireland into GB ports.”
Have your say
According to the official UK Gov statement:
“The Border Target Operating Model has been produced and developed in collaboration with stakeholders. We want to continue engaging with stakeholders and testing the model in draft form...The online survey provides a way for stakeholders to contribute feedback across all aspects of the model.”
Have your say and visit the official survey here.
Events for industry professionals
Until Wednesday the 17th of May, the Cabinet Office will be holding several events, particularly sector specific workshops, to cover “all aspects of the Border Target Operating Model”.
To learn more about these educational events, see the UK Gov’s TOM Draft for Feedback page.
We will keep you informed of any changes to the draft in the coming months. In the meantime, sign up to our mailing list and never miss an update.
